How to use the command 'drawing' (with examples)

Drawing is a free, basic raster image editor available in the GNOME desktop environment. It provides a simple and intuitive interface for editing images, making it accessible for users who need a straightforward tool for quick image modifications. The application supports a variety of image formats and offers basic tools for drawing, such as brushes, shapes, text entry, and more. It’s an ideal choice for users who need a lightweight application for quick edits or those who want to make basic artistic creations without the complexity of more advanced software.

Use Case 1: Start Drawing

Code:

drawing

Motivation:

Starting the application without any specific image loaded is a great way to explore the tools and interface of Drawing. It allows users to create new images from scratch, experiment with different tools, and familiarize themselves with the application’s features. This is especially useful for beginners who want to get a feel for the editor before diving into more specific tasks.

Explanation:

• The command drawing is executed in the terminal to launch the Drawing application. The simplicity of this command lies in its lack of additional arguments, as it opens up the program with a blank canvas, allowing the user to begin their work without any preloaded content.

Example Output:

Upon running the command, the Drawing application opens, displaying a blank canvas with the editing toolbar along the side. This visual interface prompts you to start creating or editing an image.

Use Case 2: Open Specific Files

Code:

drawing path/to/image1 path/to/image2 ...

Motivation:

Opening specific image files directly into Drawing is efficient for users who know exactly which files they want to work on. This command is beneficial for those who are dealing with multiple images and need to compare or edit them simultaneously. It streamlines the workflow by allowing direct access to specific images without navigating through additional menus within the application.

Explanation:

• The command drawing preceded by a file path indicates the specific image files that will be opened. Each path/to/image represents the directory location of the image files you wish to edit. This argument allows you to open multiple files at once, which is particularly useful for batch editing or side-by-side comparisons.

Example Output:

After running this command with valid file paths, Drawing opens with the specified images loaded into the interface, ready for editing. Each file appears in its own tab within the application, allowing for easy navigation between them.

Use Case 3: Open Specific Files in a New Window

Code:

drawing --new-window path/to/image1 path/to/image2 ...

Motivation:

Opening images in separate windows can be particularly useful for users who work with multiple monitors or who need to view files side by side without changing tabs. This feature is advantageous for detailed comparison work or when working on projects that require a seamless view of multiple images, as it can enhance productivity by maximizing screen real estate.

Explanation:

• The --new-window argument specifies that each image file should be opened in a new instance of the Drawing application. This means each image gets its own window, instead of being confined to tabs within a single window. The subsequent path/to/image arguments point to the images you need to open.

Example Output:

Executing this command results in multiple Drawing windows opening, each containing one of the specified images. This setup allows users to drag, resize, and arrange each window as needed, across one or multiple screens.

Conclusion:

The ‘drawing’ command in the GNOME desktop environment provides a versatile way to open and edit images using a simple and intuitive toolset. Whether launching the application without any preloaded images, opening specified images for editing, or working with images in separate windows, Drawing offers flexibility that accommodates diverse user needs and preferences. Each use case demonstrates the command’s ability to enhance productivity and simplify the process of image editing, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a lightweight and accessible image editor.